Small firms stung by credit card fraud

KNUTSFORD: Insufficient security checks and the complexity involved in taking online payments are leaving small firms exposed to payment processing fraud, the Forum of Private Business is warning.

Accepting card payments online is an increasingly important source of revenue for small firms but many business owners have little or no experience of the contractual processes that can be involved. Further, entrepreneurs who do take online card payments are left paying the price of fraud if supposedly secure payment systems are breached.

During the past month the Forum’s member helpline has seen a notable increase in calls about payment processing fraud.

In order to prevent large losses by spotting potential fraudulent activities early the Forum’s Adviser on Merchant Services, Richard Bradley of Accept Cards, urged merchants to put in place regular processes scrutinising orders using statistical information provided by online payment providers.

“Minimising credit card fraud takes time but, above all, it is important to acquire an e-commerce payment gateway that is secure, using supplementary security modules provided by the major credit card companies.

“Basically, these two features request an additional password to be entered along with the credit card details of the cardholder. Fraudsters will usually have the name, address and credit card number only so using payment gateways that support these can be an effective way of minimising risk.”

Mr Bradley said that many business owners do not fully understand the processes involved in taking secure online card payments or realise that they can be left to cover the cost of fraud. “Card fraud is a bit of a minefield, particularly with card not present transactions,” he added.

“In order to combat it, e-commerce merchants must first understand why and how fraudulent transactions take place. A credit card fraud is a transaction where an e-commerce merchant is unaware of the fact that a placed order will not be paid for by the cardholder. Typically, credit card information is gained illegally, for example by being stolen or traded, and the fraudsters then use it to order merchandise or services under false names.

“As soon as the original cardholder receives a statement from the issuing bank a chargeback is issued and the e-Commerce merchant has to refund all the expenses, and cover the hassle by paying a chargeback fee.”

KNUTSFORD: The Forum of Private Business has given a cautious welcome to the appointment of the new Prime Minister, David Cameron, and his forming of a coalition government between his party and the Liberal Democrats.